Information processing apparatus and method, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus has a plurality of recording media, and includes an imaging unit operable to capture an image of a subject, and a recording unit operable to record image data of the captured image onto the recording media such that the amounts of recorded image data differ between the recording media. The same image data is recorded onto at least a first recording medium built in the apparatus and a second recording medium removable from the apparatus such that the amount of data recorded on the first medium is smaller than that recorded on the second medium. In this information processing apparatus, a user can view images captured previously with more ease because image data recorded on the first recording medium is sorted by date and is provided to the user in this state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. JP 2005-250555 filed on Aug. 31, 2005, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses andmethods and programs, and in particular, relates to an informationprocessing apparatus and method for recording data onto at least tworecording media and playing the data in different ways, and a programtherefor.

2. Description of the Related Art

Widespread image processing apparatuses, such as digital still camerasand digital video cameras, each use an imager, e.g., a charge coupleddevice (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), tocapture a still image or a moving image.

In such an image processing apparatus, image data of a still or movingimage captured is recorded onto a recording medium. In the followingdescription, when it is unnecessary to distinguish between a still imageand a moving image, they will simply be referred to as images.

In some cases, in recording image data of a captured still image onto arecording medium, a still image whose size is smaller than that of thecaptured still image is generated and the generated still image with thesmaller size is also recorded. The smaller-size still image is called athumbnail image. On the other hand, in recording image data of acaptured moving image onto a recording medium, a moving image whose sizeis smaller than that of the captured moving image may be generated andthe generated moving image with the smaller size may also be recorded.Each of the above-described smaller-size still and moving images is usedas a reference image to retrieve the original still or moving image.Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-160947discloses the above-described apparatus and method.

The image processing apparatuses include another type of apparatushaving a function of displaying (playing) an image based on image datarecorded in a recording medium. The apparatuses include further anothertype of image processing apparatus having a function of outputtingrecorded image data to an external device connected thereto.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus, such as a digitalstill camera or a digital video camera, generally, images are recordedonto a recording medium removable from the apparatus or a built-inrecording medium, such as a magnetic medium, an optical medium, or anon-volatile memory. Generally, a user demands to keep recorded imagesas clear as possible. Since there are few recording media having enoughcapacity to fill the demand, the user has to transfer a stored data filefrom a recording medium to another device, e.g., a personal computer,having a recording area of much larger capacity, or another recordingmedium after recording. As described above, it is necessary to secure afree capacity of the recording medium in the information processingapparatus.

The above-described operation can be performed when the user has anexternal device, such as a personal computer, capable of receiving dataor a large-capacity recording medium near at hand. If the user does nothave the external device or the large-capacity recording medium near athand, the user has to delete image data stored in the recording mediumin the image processing apparatus, or edit the data to secure a freecapacity. Alternatively, the user has to abandon image-capture(shooting). Unfortunately, the use misses a shooting opportunity. Thisleads to degradation in usability.

In deleting or editing image data recorded in the image processingapparatus, the user has to repeat steps of selecting image data anddetermining deletion of the selected image data. This may cause a wrongoperation. In many cases, it is difficult to restore deleted or editedimage data. The user may lose an opportunity for viewing the originalimage.

According to another approach, the recording medium may be changed toanother new one. In this case, an image stored in the changed recordingmedium cannot be viewed through the image processing apparatus.Alternatively, to view the image through the apparatus, the user has toperform some operations, e.g., select a file in the recording medium andcopy data of the file to the new recording medium. The user cannot viewthe image in the changed recording medium unless the user performs theabove-described operations.

It is, therefore, difficult to view a predetermined number of data filesin the image processing apparatus. The user views the files using adevice, e.g., a personal computer, having a large-capacity medium forbackup.

According to another approach to solving the above-described problems,Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-160090discloses a system with a built-in flash memory for backup of favoriteimages. In this system, it is necessary to select a file to be backed upduring playback. Disadvantageously, the operation for selection anddetermination include many steps. It is, therefore, difficult for usersto operate this system.

The present invention is made in consideration of the above-describedcircumstances and it is desirable to view images captured previouslywith more ease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan information processing apparatus having a plurality of recordingmedia. The apparatus includes an imaging unit operable to capture animage of a subject; and a recording unit operable to record image dataof the captured image onto the recording media such that the amounts ofrecorded image data differ between the recording media.

According to this embodiment, the plurality of recording media mayinclude at least a first recording medium built in the informationprocessing apparatus and a second recording medium removable from theinformation processing apparatus. The recording unit may record theimage data such that the amount of image data recorded on the firstrecording medium is smaller than the amount of image data recorded onthe second recording medium.

When the remaining available capacity of the first recording medium isinsufficient to record new image data, the image data recorded on thefirst recording medium may be deleted in capturing order.

The plurality of recording media may include at least a first recordingmedium built in the information processing apparatus and a secondrecording medium removable from the information processing apparatus.The recording unit may record the image data such that the compressionratio of the image data recorded on the first recording medium is higherthan the compression ratio of the image data recorded on the secondrecording medium.

Preferably, the plurality of recording media include at least a firstrecording medium built in the information processing apparatus and asecond recording medium removable from the information processingapparatus. The recording unit may further record a management file formanagement of the image data onto the first recording medium.

The image data may be sorted by date and managed in the management file.

The information processing apparatus may further include a playback unitthat plays the image data recorded on the plurality of recording media;and a selection unit that selects any one of the recording media. Theplayback unit may play the image data recorded on the selected recordingmedium.

The plurality of recording media may include at least a first recordingmedium built in the information processing apparatus and a secondrecording medium removable from the information processing apparatus.The recording unit may further record a management file for managementof the image data onto the first recording medium. The playback unit mayplay the image data recorded on the first recording medium based on themanagement file and may play the image data recorded on the secondrecording medium in capturing order.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for processing information in an informationprocessing apparatus having a plurality of recording media. The methodincludes capturing an image of a subject; and recording image data ofthe captured image onto the recording media such that the amounts ofrecorded image data differ between the recording media.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program for allowing a computer to execute a process by aninformation processing apparatus having a plurality of recording media.The process includes capturing an image of a subject; and recordingimage data of the captured image onto the recording media such that theamounts of recorded image data differ between the recording media.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a captured imageof a subject may be recorded onto different recording media at differentcompression ratios.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, previouslycaptured images can be easily viewed.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the same capturedimage can be recorded onto different recording media such that theamounts of data differ between the recording media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image processing apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the internal structure of the imageprocessing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional structure of the imageprocessing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining areas provided in an internal recordingunit in the image processing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image processingapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a recording/playback process of the imageprocessing apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the recording process;

FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining a moving image for image album;

FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining deletion of image data;

FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining folders;

FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining folders;

FIG. 12 is a diagram explaining folders;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the playback process;

FIG. 14 is the flowchart of the playback process, FIG. 14 beingcontinued from FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15A to 15C are diagrams showing examples of displayed screens;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing examples of displayed screens;and

FIGS. 17A to 17C are diagrams showing examples of displayed screens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, thecorrespondence between the features of aspects of the present inventionand the specific elements disclosed in an embodiment of the presentinvention is discussed below. This description is intended to assurethat an embodiment supporting the present invention is described in thisspecification. Thus, even if an element in the following embodiment isnot described as relating to a certain feature of the present invention,that does not necessarily mean that the element does not relate to thatfeature of the aspects. Conversely, even if an element is describedherein as relating to a certain feature of the aspects, that does notnecessarily mean that the element does not relate to other features ofthe aspects.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the informationprocessing apparatus (e.g., an image processing apparatus 11 in FIG. 2)has a plurality of recording media and includes the imaging unit (e.g.,an imaging control unit 141 in FIG. 3) for capturing an image of asubject and the recording unit (e.g., a recording control unit 142 inFIG. 3) for recording image data of the image captured by the imagingunit onto the recording media such that the amounts of recorded imagedata differ between the recording media.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings.

Structure of Image Processing Apparatus

FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of an image processingapparatus to which the present invention is applied. The imageprocessing apparatus can be applied to, e.g., digital still cameras anddigital video cameras for capturing a still image and/or a moving image.

An image processing apparatus 11 includes body segments 21 and 22. Auser operates any button arranged on the body segment 21 or 22 whileholding the body segment 21, so that the user can allow the imageprocessing apparatus 11 to image a subject, i.e., capture a still imageor a moving image of the subject, or play the captured image.

In the following description, when it is unnecessary to distinguishbetween a still image and a moving image, “sill image” and “movingimage” will simply be called “image”. Accordingly, in the followingdescription, “capturing an image” includes not only “capturing a movingimage” but also “capturing a still image”.

The body segment 21 includes a mode selection button 31, a shutterbutton 32, and a recording button 33. The user operates the modeselection button 31 to select (switching) between a recording mode forimage capture and a playback mode for image playback (display). The useroperates the shutter button 32 to capture a still image. The user usesthe recording button 33 to capture a moving image.

The other body segment 22 includes a display unit 34 for displaying amenu screen for image and various settings. The body segment 22 furtherincludes arrow keys 35-1 to 35-4 and an enter button 36 in an area onthe right side of the display unit 34 in FIG. 1. The user operates thearrow keys 35-1 to 35-4 to move a cursor displayed in the display unit34 in order to select an image or a menu item. When the user decides todisplay the selected image or to execute the selected menu item, theuser presses the enter button 36. In addition, the body segment 22includes a shuttle 37, which is an annular operation unit.

The shuttle 37 is rotatable about the enter button 36 in the directionshown by the arrow A11 in FIG. 1. The user operates the shuttle 37 tomove the cursor in accordance with the amount of rotation. In thefollowing description, when it is unnecessary to distinguish between thearrow keys 35-1 to 35-4, they will simply be referred to as the arrowkeys 35.

The body segment 22 is pivotally connected to the body segment 21 suchthat the body segment 22 is pivotable about the enter button 36 in thedirection shown by the arrow A11 in FIG. 1. For example, the user canpivot the body segment 22 while holding the body segment 21 to adjustthe posture of the display unit 34. When the body segment 22 is furtherpivoted at one end of the body segment 21, the body segment 22 can besuperposed on the body segment 21. For instance, the user pivots thebody segment 22 to superpose the body segment 22 on the other bodysegment 21, thus making the image processing apparatus 11 compact enoughfor easy carrying.

In the body segment 21, on another surface opposite to that having themode selection button 31, the shutter button 32, and the recordingbutton 33, a lens (not shown) for shooting is arranged in a positionopposed to the enter button 36. For example, the user holds the bodysegment 21, points the lens at a subject, determines the angle of viewwhile viewing an image displayed in the display unit 34, and operatesthe shutter button 32 or the recording button 33, thus shooting thesubject.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the internal structure of the imageprocessing apparatus 11 in FIG. 1.

The image processing apparatus 11 includes an imaging unit 51, ananalog-digital (AD) conversion unit 52, a microphone 53, an ADconversion unit 54, a signal processing unit 55, a random access memory(RAM) 56, an output unit 57, a compression/decompression unit 58, aninternal recording unit 59, a control unit 60, an input unit 61, a powercontrol unit 62, a read only memory (ROM) 63, a drive 64, and aninterface 65.

The imaging unit 51, the signal processing unit 55, the RAM 56, theoutput unit 57, the compression/decompression unit 58, the internalrecording unit 59, the control unit 60, the input unit 61, the powercontrol unit 62, the ROM 63, the drive 64, and the interface 65 areconnected to each other via a bus 66.

The imaging unit 51 includes an imager, such as a CCD or a CMOS, and alens. Under the control of the control unit 60, the imaging unit 51captures an image of a subject and supplies an analog image signal ofthe captured image to the AD conversion unit 52. For example, theimager, constituting the imaging unit 51, receives light passing throughthe lens (not shown), stores charge corresponding to the amount ofreceived light to generate a voltage signal, and supplies the generatedsignal as an image signal to the AD conversion unit 52.

The AD conversion unit 52 converts the analog image signal supplied formthe imaging unit 51 into a digital signal and supplies the resultantsignal to the signal processing unit 55.

The microphone 53 collects sounds surrounding the image processingapparatus 11, converts the collected sounds into an audio signal that isan electric signal, and supplies the signal to the AD conversion unit54. The AD conversion unit 54 converts the audio signal, which isanalog, supplied from the microphone 53 into a digital signal andsupplies the resultant signal to the signal processing unit 55.

Under the control of the control unit 60, if necessary, the signalprocessing unit 55 performs a predetermined process on the image signalsupplied from the AD conversion unit 52 or the audio signal suppliedfrom the AD conversion unit 54 to generate image data or audio data andsupplies the data to the RAM 56. For example, under the control of thecontrol unit 60, the signal processing unit 55 converts the image signalsupplied from the AD conversion unit 52 into a luminance signal (Ysignal) and color difference signals (a Cr signal and a Cb signal),performs gamma correction on the signals to generate image data, andsupplies the data to the RAM 56.

Under the control of the control unit 60, the RAM 56 temporarily storesthe image data or audio data supplied from the signal processing unit 55and then supplies the stored data to the output unit 57 or thecompression/decompression unit 58. In addition, the RAM 56 appropriatelystores a program executed by the control unit 60 and data.

The output unit 57 includes the display unit 34 and a speaker 81. Thedisplay unit 34 of the output unit 57 includes, e.g., a liquid crystaldisplay and displays an image based on the image data supplied from thesignal processing unit 55 through the RAM 56, or the image data suppliedfrom the compression/decompression unit 58. The speaker 81 of the outputunit 57 outputs sounds based on the audio data supplied from thecompression/decompression unit 58.

During the recording operation, under the control of the control unit60, the compression/decompression unit 58 compresses the image datasupplied from the RAM 56 in a predetermined standard, thus generatingcompressed image data. During the playback operation, under the controlof the control unit 60, the compression/decompression unit 58 obtainsimage data from the internal recording unit 59 or a removable medium 91,decompresses the obtained image data as needed, and supplies theresultant data to the output unit 57.

The internal recording unit 59 includes a hard disk and a non-volatileflash memory built in the image processing apparatus 11. Under thecontrol of the control unit 60, the internal recording unit 59 recordsimage data supplied from the compression/decompression unit 58. Inaddition, the internal recording unit 59 supplies a recorded still-imagefile or moving-image file to the compression/decompression unit 58.

The control unit 60 includes, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU). Thecontrol unit 60 executes a program stored in the ROM 63 to control theentire image processing apparatus 11. In addition, the control unit 60performs various processes in accordance with input signals suppliedfrom the input unit 61. For instance, the control unit 60 controls theimaging unit 51 in accordance with an input signal from the input unit61, thus controlling focusing, lens aperture, and shutter speed.

The input unit 61 includes, e.g., the mode selection button 31, theshutter button 32, the recording button 33, the arrow keys 35, the enterbutton 36, and the shuttle 37 in FIG. 1. The input unit 61 supplies aninput signal corresponding to the user's operation to the control unit60.

In response to a power supply instruction from the control unit 60, thepower control unit 62 supplies power to the respective components of theimage processing apparatus 11 from a battery (not shown) or an externalpower supply connected to the image processing apparatus 11. Forexample, when the user turns on the image processing apparatus 11, theinput unit 61 supplies an input signal indicating the power-on to thecontrol unit 60 in response to the user operation. In accordance withthe input signal from the input unit 61, the control unit 60 instructsthe power control unit 62 to supply power. The power control unit 62supplies power to the respective components of the image processingapparatus 11 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit60.

The ROM 63 stores various programs and data and supplies the storedprograms or data to the control unit 60. As necessary, the removablemedium 91 is attached (connected) to the drive 64. After completion ofthe attachment, the drive 64 reads data recorded on the removable medium91 as needed and supplies the read data to the control unit 60 or thecompression/decompression unit 58. Alternatively, the drive 64 recordsdata, supplied from the control unit 60 or the compression/decompressionunit 58, onto the removable medium 91.

The removable medium 91 includes, e.g., a non-volatile flash memory, amagnetic disc, an optical disc, or a magneto-optical disc. The medium isremovable from the image processing apparatus 11. The removable medium91 records image data (an image file) supplied from the image processingapparatus 11. In addition, the removable medium 91 supplies variousdata, e.g., a recorded image file to the image processing apparatus 11.

The interface 65 is connected to, e.g., a universal serial bus (USB)cable for connection to an external device to transfer data between theexternal device and the image processing apparatus 11. The interface 65is also connected to a predetermined cable (called, e.g., an AV cable)for a television receiver to transfer image data recorded on theinternal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91 to the televisionreceiver.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the functional structure of the image processingapparatus 11. The image processing apparatus 11 includes a startupprocessor 101 and a recording/playback processor 102. The startupprocessor 101 performs predetermined processing during startup. Therecording/playback processor 102 performs processing related torecording or playback after startup.

The startup processor 101 includes a system check unit 121, a connectiondetermining unit 122, a communication unit 123, a mounting unit 124, andan unmounting unit 125. The recording/playback processor 102 includes animaging control unit 141, a recording control unit 142, and a playbackcontrol unit 143. The recording control unit 142 includes aninternal-recording control section 151 and an external-recording controlsection 152. The playback control unit 143 includes an internal-playbackcontrol section 161 and an external-playback control section 162.

The startup processor 101 performs processing to check the connectionstate of the image processing apparatus 11 with another device upon andafter startup of the apparatus 11 (i.e., during turn on). In the startupprocessor 101, the system check unit 121 checks the respectivecomponents of the image processing apparatus 11 when the imageprocessing apparatus 11 is turned on.

In the startup processor 101, the connection determining unit 122determines whether the image processing apparatus 11 is connected to anexternal device through a cable. The communication unit 123 communicateswith the connected external device to transmit and/or receive datato/from the device.

In the startup processor 101, the mounting unit 124 mounts an area inthe internal recording unit 59 or the removable medium 91. Theunmounting unit 125 unmounts an area in the internal recording unit 59.Area mounting/unmounting will be described below with reference to FIG.4. As will be explained below, a target to be unmounted is the internalrecording unit 59. The removable medium 91 is not targeted.

The recording/playback processor 102 captures a still image and/or amoving image and records the captured image onto the internal recordingunit 59 and the removable medium 91. In addition, the recording/playbackprocessor 102 reads image data of a still image or a moving imagerecorded on the internal recording unit 59 or the removable medium 91and plays the data.

In the recording/playback processor 102, the imaging control unit 141controls the imaging unit 51 to image a subject, i.e., capture an imageof the subject. In the recording control unit 142, theinternal-recording control section 151 records image data of the imageof the subject captured by the imaging control unit 141 onto theinternal recording unit 59. The external-recording control section 152records the image data of the captured image onto the removable medium91.

In the playback control unit 143, the internal-playback control section161 reads image data recorded on the internal recording unit 59 andplays the data. The external-playback control section 162 reads imagedata recorded on the removable medium 91 and plays the data.

According to the present embodiment of the present invention, image dataof a captured image of a subject is simultaneously recorded onto theinternal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91. Thissimultaneous recording will be described in detail below. Image datarecorded on the internal recording unit 59 is not supplied to apredetermined external device so that the data is not viewed and editedthrough the external device.

The internal recording unit 59 includes two kinds of areas. Data that isnot supplied to the external device is recorded in one area. Data thatcan be supplied to the external device is recorded in the other area.Referring to FIG. 4, the internal recording unit 59 includes two areas181 and 182.

In this instance, the area 181 is the area where data that is notsupplied to the external device is recorded and the area 182 is the areawhere data that can be supplied to the external device is recorded. Inother words, data recorded in the area 181 has to be protected so thatthe data is not viewed or edited through the external device and datarecorded in the area 182 may be viewed and/or edited through theexternal device.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the internalrecording unit 59 includes the two areas.

Fundamentally, the same image is recorded into the area 181 and theremovable medium 91. In other words, according to the presentembodiment, an image obtained by one shooting is recorded into each ofthe area 181 in the internal recording unit 59 and the removable medium91.

Images are recorded in the internal recording unit 59 so that a specificfunction called an image album is realized. In other words, images arerecorded in the internal recording unit 59 such that the user canconfirm subject images captured through the image processing apparatus11.

Images recorded on the removable medium 91 may be appropriately suppliedto other devices, such as a personal computer and a printer. Since theimages are data that can be supplied to the other devices, the data maybe edited.

The images recorded on the internal recording unit 59 are independent ofthose recorded on the removable medium 91. In other words, even when animage recorded on the removable medium 91 is deleted, a process ofdeleting the corresponding image recorded on the internal recording unit59 is not performed.

In addition, images displayed when the images recorded on the internalrecording unit 59 are viewed through the image processing apparatus 11do not necessarily match those displayed when the images recorded on theremovable medium 91 are viewed through the image processing apparatus11. In other words, the images recorded on the internal recording unit59 are not edited to secure the consistency of images between theremovable medium 91 and the internal recording unit 59.

When the user intends to view, e.g., previously captured images, theuser views images recorded on the internal recording unit 59. When theuser intends to confirm image to be actually printed, the user viewsimages recorded on the removable medium 91.

Since recorded images are properly used depending on the purposes, theuser is prevented from editing images recorded on the internal recordingunit 59. In order to prevent the user from editing images on theinternal recording unit 59, the area 181 in the internal recording unit59 is invisible through the external device connected to the imageprocessing apparatus 11.

The operation of the image processing apparatus 11 will now be describedbelow, the operation being performed to execute the above-describedprocessing.

Operation of Image Processing Apparatus

FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the image processingapparatus 11, the operation being performed during startup (or for aperiod of time after the image processing apparatus 11 is turned onuntil it is turned off). In step S11, the system check unit 121 (seeFIG. 3) of the image processing apparatus 11 makes a system check.

When the user operates the input unit 61 of the image processingapparatus 11 (FIG. 2) to turn on the apparatus 11, the input unit 61supplies an input signal indicating the turn-on to the control unit 60in accordance with the user operation. In response to the input signalfrom the input unit 61, the control unit 60 instructs the power controlunit 62 to supply power to the respective components of the imageprocessing apparatus 11. Consequently, the power control unit 62supplies power to the respective components, thus activating the imageprocessing apparatus 11.

After power is supplied to the respective components of the imageprocessing apparatus 11 as described above, the system check unit 121makes the system check to determine whether the respective components ofthe image processing apparatus 11 operate normally. As for the systemcheck in step S11, e.g., whether the internal recording unit 59 and theconnected removable medium 91 are ready to write or read data isdetermined.

In step S12, all of areas in the internal recording unit 59 and theremovable medium 91 are mounted. For instance, since the internalrecording unit 59 includes the two areas 181 and 182 as shown in FIG. 4,the areas 181 and 182 are mounted. The term “mounting” means a processof checking on the number of files recorded in each area and alsochecking on the descriptions of each file, i.e., formatting recordingmedia, e.g., the internal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91.

The general concept of mounting will now be described. A file system hasa virtual tree structure including a plurality of file system (diskpartition) devices. Each device is accessible at the time when thedevice is mounted on the system. When the device is unmounted, it isinaccessible.

In step S12, the recording media are subjected to the mounting process,so that the user can view files recorded in each recording mediumattached to or built in the image processing apparatus 11 through theapparatus 11 and can also view the files through another deviceconnected to the image processing apparatus 11.

In step S13, the connection determining unit 122 determines whether theimage processing apparatus 11 is connected to an external device. Inthis instance, another device connected to the image processingapparatus 11 via, e.g., USB is determined as an external device. Theexternal device connected via USB is a device capable of accessing afile recorded on the internal recording unit 59 of the image processingapparatus 11 and editing the file.

In other words, in step S13, it is determined whether another devicecapable of editing (modifying) a file recorded in the area 181 of theinternal recording unit 59 is connected to the image processingapparatus 11. When an external device, such as a television receiver, isconnected to the image processing apparatus 11 via a cable called an AVcable, therefore, this external device is not determined as a targetdevice in step S13 because the television receiver does not have afunction of editing a file recorded on the internal recording unit 59.

When the interface 65 includes a USB, whether an external device isconnected to the image processing apparatus 11 via USB (i.e., thepresence or absence of an external device ready for communication withthe communication unit 123 via USB) is determined in step S13.

If it is determined in step S13 that the present apparatus is connectedto an external device, the operation proceeds to step S14. In step S14,the unmounting unit 125 (FIG. 3) unmounts an area containing hiddendata. In this instance, “hidden data” is data that should not be edited,i.e., data (including a file) recorded in the area 181 of the internalrecording unit 59. It is undesirable to edit hidden data.

In step S14, the area 181 is unmounted. The unmounting unit 125 unmountsthe area 181 in step S14. Consequently, the area 181 is inaccessible.The external device connected to the image processing apparatus 11 viaUSB cannot access the unmounted area 181. Therefore, the connectedexternal device cannot edit a file recorded in the area 181.

As described above, the area containing hidden data is unmounted so thatthe area is inaccessible. Advantageously, it is possible to preventhidden data from being edited by the external device.

After the area containing hidden data is unmounted in step S14, thecommunication unit 123 (FIG. 3) starts communication with the externaldevice in step S15. As described above, the external device cannotaccess the unmounted area (in this case, the area 181). In step S15,therefore, data recorded in the area 182 and data recorded on theremovable medium 91 attached to the image processing apparatus 11 can betransferred between the communication unit 123 and the external device.

In step S16, whether the connection with the external device is releasedis determined. The connection determining unit 122 always checks thestate of the image processing apparatus 11 to determine whether theapparatus is connected to the external device via USB. As describedabove, when the connection determining unit 122 determines theconnection with the external device, the area containing hidden data isunmounted. When the unit 122 determines that the connection between thepresent apparatus and the external device is released, the unmountedarea is again mounted.

In other words, when the connection determining unit 122 determines therelease of the connection therebetween in step S16, the operationproceeds to step S17. Thus, the unmounted area (in this case, the area181) is again mounted. When determining the release of the connectionwith the external device, the connection determining unit 122 instructsthe mounting unit 124 to again mount the unmounted area.

As described above, while the image processing apparatus 11 is connectedto the external device, i.e., the external device may edit data recordedin the apparatus, the area containing data (hidden data) which shouldnot be edited is unmounted, thus concealing the area. While the imageprocessing apparatus 11 is not connected to the external device, thearea containing hidden data is mounted such that this area is viewable.

As described above, since the area containing hidden data is mounted orunmounted as necessary, the area is viewable unless the image processingapparatus 11 is connected to an external device having an editingfunction. In other words, while the image processing apparatus 11operates solely, the area containing hidden data is viewable through theimage processing apparatus 11. Even if the image processing apparatus 11does not operate solely, the area is viewable as long as an externaldevice having no editing function is connected to the apparatus.

When the unmounted area is again mounted in step S17, the operationproceeds to step S18. In step S18, a recording or playback process isexecuted. When it is determined in step S13 that any external device isnot connected to the apparatus, the operation also proceeds to step S18.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 11 has functions forrecording and playing images. While the image processing apparatus 11 isnot connected to an external device, the apparatus captures an image ofa subject and records image data of the captured image onto the internalrecording unit 59 and the removable medium 91, or plays image datarecorded on the internal recording unit 59 or the removable medium 91.

While the recording/playback process is executed in step S18, theconnection determining unit 122 (FIG. 3) continues to check theconnection state of the image processing apparatus 11, i.e., determinewhether the apparatus is connected to an external device. In otherwords, simultaneously with the execution of the process in step S18,step S13 and subsequent steps are repeated.

The recording/playback process in step S18 will be explained withreference to a flowchart of FIG. 6. In step S31, whether a recordingmode is selected is determined. For example, when the user operates themode selection button 31 (FIG. 1) to select the recording mode, theinput unit 61 supplies a signal indicating that the recording mode isselected to the control unit 60. When receiving this signal from theinput unit 61, the control unit 60 determines that the recording mode isselected.

When it is determined in step S31 that the recording mode is selected,the process proceeds to step S32, thus executing the recording process.The details of the recording process will be described below. The imageprocessing apparatus 11 captures a still image or a moving image inaccordance with the user operation during the recording process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S31 that the recordingmode is not selected, i.e., a playback mode is selected, the processproceeds to step S33. The image processing apparatus 11 executes theplayback process. The details of the playback process will be describedbelow. The image processing apparatus 11 plays a still image or a movingimage on the basis of an image file (image data) obtained by shootingduring the playback process.

After the recording process is executed in step S32, alternatively, theplayback process is executed in step S33, it is determined in step S34whether an instruction to terminate the recording or playback process isgiven.

In step S34, when it is determined that the termination instruction isnot given, various steps are continuously performed. Accordingly, theprocess is returned to step S31 and the above-described steps arerepeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the terminationinstruction is given, the process is returned to step S13 in FIG. 5.Step S13 and subsequent steps are repeated.

The process of the flowchart in FIG. 5, i.e., the process performedafter turn-on is terminated, for example, when the user instructs toturn off the present apparatus. For instance, when the user operates theinput unit 61 (FIG. 2) to turn off the apparatus, the input unit 61supplies a signal indicating a turn-off instruction to the control unit60. When receiving this signal from the input unit 61, the control unit60 instructs the power control unit 62 to interrupt power supply. Then,the power control unit 62 interrupts power supply to the respectivecomponents of the image processing apparatus 11, thus turning off theimage processing apparatus 11.

As described above, when the recording mode is selected, the imageprocessing apparatus 11 captures an image and records the image inaccordance with the user operation. When the playback mode is selected,the apparatus plays an image in accordance with the user operation.

The recording process in step S32 in FIG. 6 will now be described withreference to a flowchart of FIG. 7.

In step S51, it is determined whether the present apparatus is in astandby mode for still-image or moving-image capture. For example, it isassumed that the display unit 34 (FIG. 2) displays a through-the-lensimage (hereinafter, referred to as a through-image) for confirmation ofthe angle of view of an image to be captured. In this state, when theuser operates the shutter button 32 (FIG. 1) or the recording button 33(FIG. 1), the input unit 61 supplies a signal indicating animage-capture instruction to the control unit 60. When receiving thissignal from the input unit 61, the control unit 60 determines that thepresent apparatus is not in the image-capture standby mode (i.e., thisstandby mode is not released).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the presentapparatus is in the image-capture standby mode, the process proceeds tostep S52. The through-image is continuously displayed. While thethrough-image is continuously displayed, the control unit 60 executes aprocess based on the user operation in step S53. For example, when it isdetermined that the user instructs to turn off the apparatus, a processof turning off the apparatus is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S51 that the presentapparatus is not in the image-capture standby mode, the process proceedsto step S54. Then, whether a moving image is being captured isdetermined. For instance, when the user operates the recording button 33and the imaging control unit 141 controls the imaging unit 51 to shoot asubject, the control unit 60 determines that the apparatus is capturinga moving image.

When it is determined in step S54 that the present apparatus iscapturing a moving image, the process proceeds to step S55. The imagingcontrol unit 141 continuously controls the imaging unit 51 to capture amoving image. In step S55, a captured moving image is a moving image fornormal recording. The moving image for normal recording is recorded ontothe removable medium 91. This image is compressed at a compression ratioset by the user and is user-editable.

In making an association between the above description and the foregoingdescription, a moving image for normal recording is viewable andeditable through an external device having an editing function while theexternal device is connected to the present apparatus. In thisspecification, “moving image for normal recording” will also be called“normal moving image”

As will be described below, for example, in step S59, capturing a stillimage for normal recording is controlled. A still image for normalrecording is handled in a manner similar to the above-described movingimage for normal recording. In other words, a still image for normalrecording is viewable and editable through the above-described externaldevice while the device is connected to the present apparatus. In thisspecification, “still image for normal recording” will also be called“normal still image”.

Capturing a normal moving image will now be described with reference toFIG. 2. The imaging unit 51 images a subject to generate a voltagesignal and supplies the signal as an image signal through the ADconversion unit 52 to the signal processing unit 55. The microphone 53collects surrounding sounds, converts the sounds into an audio signal,serving as an electric signal, and supplies the signal through the ADconversion unit 54 to the signal processing unit 55.

Under the control of the imaging control unit 141, as necessary, thesignal processing unit 55 performs predetermined processing, e.g., gammacorrection, on the image signal and the audio signal supplied from theAD conversion units 52 and 54 to generate moving-image data and audiodata and supplies the generated data through the RAM 56 to thecompression/decompression unit 58.

Under the control of the recording control unit 142, thecompression/decompression unit 58 compresses the supplied moving-imagedata in a predetermined standard, e.g., Moving Picture Experts Groupphase 2 (MPEG-2), thus generating compressed moving-image data.Simultaneously, the compression/decompression unit 58 compresses thesupplied audio data in a predetermined standard, e.g., Advanced AudioCoding (AAC), thus generating compressed audio data.

The compression/decompression unit 58 compresses moving-image data at acompression ratio set by the user. In other words, the image processingapparatus 11 is designed so that the user can select (set) a desiredcompression ratio when the user operates the present apparatus to recorda moving image as a normal moving image onto the removable medium 91.

The compression/decompression unit 58 extracts predetermined stillimages, i.e., video frames from the moving image displayed on the basisof the generated moving-image data to generate thumbnail-image data. Forexample, when the user wants to know what moving images the removablemedium 91 contains, the user refers to thumbnail-image data.

The compression/decompression unit 58 supplies the generatedmoving-image data, audio data, and thumbnail-image data to the removablemedium 91. In the following description, moving-image data, audio data,and thumbnail-image data recorded on the removable medium 91 will becollectively described as a moving-image file (i.e., it is assumed thateach moving-image file contains moving-image data, audio data, andthumbnail-image data).

In step S56, the external-recording control section 152 (FIG. 3)controls the recording process such that the moving-image file isrecorded onto the removable medium 91.

As described above, a moving-image file for normal recording isgenerated and is then recorded onto the removable medium 91. On theother hand, in step S57, capturing a moving image for image album iscontrolled. In this specification, “moving image for image album” willalso be called “album moving image”. In this instance, each album movingimage is recorded in the area 181 (FIG. 4) in the internal recordingunit 59. The album moving image is compressed at a predeterminedcompression ratio which is not set by the user. The album moving imageis uneditable by the user.

In making an association between the above description and the foregoingdescription, an album moving image is unviewable and uneditable throughan external device having an editing function while the external deviceis connected to the present apparatus.

As for album moving images, for example, the user views the album movingimages to search for moving images previously captured by the imageprocessing apparatus 11. The album moving images are used to realize afunction called, e.g., “image album”.

As will be described below, for example, in step S61, capturing a stillimage for image album is controlled. In this specification, “still imagefor image album” will also be called “album still image”. An album stillimage is handled in a manner similar to the above-described album movingimage. In other words, an album still image is unviewable and uneditablethrough the above-described external device while the device isconnected to the present apparatus.

Fundamentally, an album moving image is captured in the same way as anormal moving image. However, the amount of each album moving image isbasically smaller than that of each normal moving image (because eachalbum moving image is compressed at the predetermined compression ratioas described above). Accordingly, the compression process in capturing anormal moving image is different from that in capturing an album movingimage. The difference therebetween will now be described with referenceto FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows video frames of a normal moving picture and those of analbum moving image arranged in parallel to compare the normal and albummoving images. The video frames of the normal moving image are shown inthe left part of FIG. 8. The video frames of the album moving image areshown in the right part thereof.

In FIG. 8, reference symbol “t” denotes a predetermined time interval.In other words, the time interval t elapses between time points 0 t and1 t and the time interval t elapses between time points 1 t and 2 t.Similarly, the time interval t elapses between time points 2 t and 3 t.

As for the video frames of the normal moving image, a video frame isextracted every time interval t. The extracted video frames serve asvideo frames constituting the album moving image. In other words, thealbum moving image is generated using the video frames extracted fromthe normal moving image at every predetermined timing.

The internal-recording control section 151 (FIG. 3) controls capture ofan album moving image so as to perform the above-described imagegeneration. In step S58 (FIG. 7), the internal-recording control section151 executes the control operation such that the generated album movingimage file is recorded in the area 181 in the internal recording unit59. As described above, the album moving image is recorded in the area181 in the internal recording unit 59.

In this manner, a moving image captured in one-time shooting is recordedin each of the internal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91.The moving images recorded in the internal recording unit 59 and theremovable medium 91 are different in compression ratio. Since the usercan set the compression ratio for normal moving images, the movingimages in the internal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91 maybe compressed at the same compression ratio. However, when an albummoving image is generated from a normal moving image as described abovewith reference to FIG. 8, the compression ratio of the album movingimage is always higher than that of the normal moving image, i.e., theamount of data of the album moving image is smaller than that of thenormal moving image.

After the moving image is recorded as described above, the processproceeds to step S53. Since step S53 has already been explained, thedescription thereof is omitted.

When it is determined in step S54 that the present apparatus is notcapturing a moving image, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S59,capturing a normal still image is controlled. When the user operates theshutter button 32 (FIG. 1), the input unit 61 supplies a signalindicating a still-image capture instruction to the control unit 60.When the control unit 60 receives this signal from the input unit 61,the imaging control unit 141 allows the imaging unit 51 to image asubject.

Under the control of the imaging control unit 141, the imaging unit 51images the subject to generate an image signal. The image signal isprocessed through the AD conversion unit 52 and the signal processingunit 55, thus generating still-image data. The still-image data issupplied to the RAM 56. Under the control of the recording control unit142, the compression/decompression unit 58 compresses the still-imagedata supplied from the RAM 56 in a predetermined standard, e.g., JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG), thus generating compressedstill-image data. In addition, the compression/decompression unit 58generates thumbnail-image data on the basis of the generated still-imagedata and then supplies the generated still-image data andthumbnail-image data to the removable medium 91.

In the following description, still-image data and thumbnail-image datarecorded on the removable medium 91 will be collectively described as astill-image file (i.e., it is assumed that each still-image fileincludes still-image data and thumbnail-image data).

In step S60, the external-recording control section 152 (FIG. 3)controls the recording operation such that the still-image file isrecorded onto the removable medium 91.

As described above, the still-image file for normal recording isgenerated and is recorded onto the removable medium 91. On the otherhand, in step S61, capturing an album still image is controlled. Asdescribed above, the relationship between a normal still image and analbum still image has the same as that between a normal moving image andan album moving image. In other words, the difference between the normalstill image and the album still image is whether or not the still imageis viewable through an external device.

The normal still image is compressed at a compression ratio set by theuser and is recorded on the removable medium 91 such that the stillimage is viewable and editable through the external device. The albumstill image is compressed at the predetermined compression ratio and isrecorded in the area 181 (FIG. 4) in the internal recording unit 59 suchthat the still image is protected from being viewed and edited throughthe external device.

In step S61, the still-image data is compressed at the predeterminedcompression ratio. In step S62, the compressed still-image data isrecorded onto the internal recording unit 59.

In a manner similar to a moving image, a still image captured inone-time shooting is compressed at different compression ratios and theobtained still images are recorded onto the internal recording unit 59and the removable medium 91, respectively.

After the still images are recorded as described above, the processproceeds to step S53. Since step S53 has already been explained, thedescription thereof is omitted.

In this manner, the process of recording moving images or still imagesis executed such that the same image data is recorded in each of theinternal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91. As describedabove, the recording process is executed such that the amount of datarecorded in the internal recording unit 59 is smaller than that of datarecorded in the removable medium 91. Consequently, the internalrecording unit 59 can record more data than the removable medium 91records.

In the above description, the same image data is recorded in each of theinternal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91, i.e., tworecording media. Image data may be simultaneously recorded in three ormore recording media. In recording image data onto a plurality ofrecording media, the image data may be processed, e.g., compressed sothat the amounts of data vary from medium to medium.

In the above-described recording process, image data of a capturedmoving or still image is recorded onto the internal recording unit 59and the removable medium 91 such that the amount of data recorded in theinternal recording unit 59 is different from that in the removablemedium 91. Image data may be compressed by different compressionstandards and the resultant compressed data sets may be recorded ontothe internal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91,respectively.

In the recording process described with reference to FIG. 7, movingimages and/or still images are sequentially recorded onto the internalrecording unit 59. However, since the internal recording unit 59includes a recording medium having a limited capacity, i.e., therecording capacity of the area 181 is limited, moving images and stillimages cannot be recorded without limitation. In some cases, therefore,in recording a moving image or a still image onto the internal recordingunit 59 in step S58 or S62, there is no available space to record themoving image or still image in the area 181.

Therefore, in steps 58 and S62, a deletion process may be performedbefore recording. The deletion will now be described with reference toFIG. 9. In an example of the area 181 shown in FIG. 9, an image file 6shown in part A is recorded in addition to image files 1 to 5 shown inpart B.

Referring to part B of FIG. 9, the image files 1 to 5 are sequentiallygenerated and recorded in this order. In other words, the image file 1is the oldest file. Since the amount of the image file 6 is larger thanthe remaining capacity of the area 181 in which the image files 1 to 5have already been recorded, the image file 6 cannot be recorded unlessany file recorded in the area 181 is deleted.

Consequently, the image file 1 that is the oldest in terms of time isdeleted. When the image file 1 is deleted, an enough space to record theimage file 6 is created in the area 181, so that the image file 6 isadditionally recorded in the area 181 as shown in part C of FIG. 9. Ifan enough space to record the image file 6 is not provided in the area181 by deleting the image file 1, the second oldest image file 2 is alsodeleted.

In this manner, the image files recorded in the area 181 are deleted inthe order in which images contained in the image files were captured,i.e., in capturing (shooting) order from oldest to newest until anenough space to record at least a new image file is provided.

The present apparatus is fundamentally designed such that image filesrecorded in the area 181 are not processed, e.g., edited. The presentapparatus may include a protecting function so that image files recordedin the area 181 are not targeted in the above-described deletionprocess. For instance, it is assumed that the user sets the attribute ofthe image file 1 in part B of FIG. 9 so that the file 1 is protected.When the image file 6 is recorded, the oldest image file 1 is normallytargeted for deletion and is then deleted. However, since the image file1 is protected, it is not deleted.

Accordingly, the image file 2, which is not protected, is targeted fordeletion and is then deleted. As described above, an unprotected imagefile may be deleted.

Image files recorded in the internal recording unit 59 and the removablemedium 91 as described above are played and provided to the user. Atthat time, the image files recorded in the area 181 in the internalrecording unit 59 can be used as an image album as described above.Using the image files as an image album means that the user cansequentially view images captured previously. In this specification,sequential viewing means that the user can view images in date order,e.g., in shooting date order from oldest to newest.

To allow the user to view images in date order, image files are recordedin a file structure (data structure), as shown in FIG. 10, in the area181 of the internal recording unit 59. Referring to FIG. 10, the imagefiles are recorded in the area 181 such that each image file is storedin a moving-image folder or a still-image folder.

In FIG. 10, the internal recording unit 59 (FIG. 2) contains amoving-image folder 201 for storage of moving-image files and astill-image folder 202 for storage of still-image files.

The moving-image folder 201 includes a property file 203 and a subfolder204. The property file 203 is used for management of moving-image filesand still-image files. The subfolder 204 stores moving-image files. Inthis case, the subfolder 204 contains moving-image files 205-1 and205-2.

In the following description, when the moving-image files 205-1 and205-2 need not be distinguished from each other, they will simply bereferred to as moving-image files 205. Each of the moving-image files205 is generated and recorded in steps S57 and S58 in FIG. 7.

The still-image folder 202 contains subfolders 206-1 and 206-2 forstorage of still-image files. The subfolder 206-1 contains still-imagefiles 207-1 to 207-5 and the other subfolder 206-2 contains still-imagefiles 207-6 and 207-7.

In the following description, when the subfolders 206-1 and 206-2 neednot be distinguished from each other, they will simply be calledsubfolders 206. Furthermore, in the following description, when thestill-image files 207-1 to 207-7 need not be distinguished from eachother, they will simply be called still-image files 207. Eachstill-image file 207 is generated and recorded in steps S61 and S62 inFIG. 7.

The property file 203 includes information indicating the virtualdirectory structure of the internal recording unit 59. The property file203 is updated through a process by the internal-recording controlsection 151 (FIG. 3) each time a moving-image file 205 or a still-imagefile 207 is newly recorded onto the internal recording unit 59.

In other words, since the property file 203 is provided, when theinternal-recording control section 151 controls recording of an albummoving-image file (moving-image file 205) or an album still-image file(still-image file 207), the section 151 also executes a process ofupdating the property file 203.

For example, when a new moving-image file 205 or still-image file 207 isrecorded in the internal recording unit 59, the internal-recordingcontrol section 151 updates the property file 203 recorded in theinternal recording unit 59 on the basis of information (e.g., Exifinformation) included in the recorded moving-image file 205 orstill-image file 207.

As described above, in the directory structure shown in FIG. 10, theproperty file 203 is provided, the moving-image files 205 are stored inthe moving-image folder 201, and the still-image files 207 are stored inthe still-image folder 202. As will be described below, the propertyfile 203 includes information indicating the virtual directory structurein which image files are arranged in shooting date order, i.e., filesare sorted by date.

If such a regular arrangement that the moving-image folder 201 containsthe moving-image files 205 and the still-image folder 202 contains thestill-image files 207 as shown in FIG. 10 is not made, as long as theproperty file 203 including the information indicating the virtualdirectory structure is provided, image files can be managed in anorderly fashion only with reference to the property file 203.

For instance, assuming that the moving-image files 205 and thestill-image files 207 are contained in one folder, the user can reorderthe files by date or classify the files into a moving-image file groupand a still-image file group by referring to the property file 203.Although it is assumed that data is stored in the directory structure asshown in FIG. 10 in the following description, the moving-image folder201 and the still-image folder 202 may be omitted (i.e., simple foldersmay be provided), alternatively, the moving-image files 205 and thestill-image files 207 may be contained in one folder.

The property file 203 may be used as a management file for management ofimage files recorded in each predetermined folder.

The property file 203 includes information indicating the virtualdirectory structure as shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the same elementsas those in FIG. 10 are designated by the same reference numerals and adescription thereof is appropriately omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11, a root folder 221 contains a date root folder 222.In addition, the date root folder 222 contains date folders 223-1 to223-4. A predetermined date is assigned as a folder name to each of thedate folders 223-1 to 223-4. The date folders 223-1 to 223-4 arearranged in date order on the basis of the folder names.

The moving-image files 205 and still-image files 207 are recorded suchthat each image file is stored in the corresponding date folder with thefolder name indicating the same date as shooting date of the image file.

The date folder 223-1 contains the still-image file 207-1. The datefolder 223-2 contains the moving-image file 205-1 and the still-imagefiles 207-2 and 207-3 ordered by shooting date and time.

The date folder 223-3 contains the still-image file 207-5 and themoving-image file 205-2 ordered by shooting date and time. The datefolder 223-4 contains the still-image files 207-4, 207-6, and 207-7ordered by shooting date and time.

For example, assuming that the folder name of the date folder 223-3 is“2005.08.01” indicating Aug. 1, 2005 and the still-image file 207-5 andthe moving-image file 205-2 include images captured on Aug. 1, 2005, thestill-image file 207-5 and the moving-image file 205-2 are stored in thedate folder 223-3.

In the following description, if it is necessary to distinguish betweenthe date folders 223-1 to 223-4, they will simply be called date folders223.

FIG. 11 relates to the case where the information included in theproperty file 203 (FIG. 10) indicates the virtual directory structure inwhich the moving-image files 205 and the still-image files 207 areclassified by date and are stored in a virtual manner in the respectivedate folders 223. The classification of folders is not limited to thatbased on date. The property file 203 may include information indicatinga virtual directory structure in which the classification of folders isbased on exposure value or position information obtained by a GPS. Theproperty file 203 may include information indicating a plurality ofvirtual directory structures.

In the above description, the property file 203 includes the informationindicating the virtual directory structure. The property file 203 mayinclude information regarding the relationship between image filesrecorded in the internal recording unit 59 with respect to file name,exposure value, shooting date and time, and GPS position information.

As described above, the moving-image folder 201 in FIG. 10 contains theproperty file 203 including the information indicating the virtualdirectory structure. In the image processing apparatus 11, therefore,the user can easily retrieve (view) a moving-image file 205 or astill-image file 207 satisfying predetermined conditions, e.g., an imagefile 205 or 207 obtained on a predetermined date from the moving-imagefiles 205 and the still-image files 207 recorded in the internalrecording unit 59 by referring to the property file 203.

Since the property file 203 is provided as described above, as will beexplained below, images can be displayed in, e.g., date order duringplayback of images recorded in the area 181 in the internal recordingunit 59, i.e., during selection (retrieval) of images to be played. Forinstance, images captured by the image processing apparatus 11 can bedisplayed in order from oldest to newest like an image album.

Data recorded in the area 181 in the internal recording unit 59 can beviewed as an image album as described above. In addition, since the area181 is unviewable through an external device having a function capableof editing data while the device is connected to the present apparatus,the data recorded in the area 181 is also unviewable. On the other hand,data recorded on the removable medium 91 is recorded in a permissiblearea that is viewable through such an external device while the deviceis connected to the present apparatus.

Since the removable medium 91 is a recording medium removable from theimage processing apparatus 11, this medium may be removed from the imageprocessing apparatus 11 and be attached to a printer or a personalcomputer. In this case, it is preferred that an image file be recordedon the removable medium 91 in a generally used standard, e.g., Designrule for Camera File system (DCF), such that the recorded image file canbe recognized through another apparatus, such as a printer, to which theremovable medium 91 is attached.

When an image file, such as a moving-image file generated in step S55 ora still-image file generated in step S59, is supplied to the removablemedium 91 and is recorded therein in step S56 or S60, the image file isrecorded in the predetermined standard, e.g., DCF. In the removablemedium 91, as shown in FIG. 12, each image file is stored in thecorresponding moving-image or still-image folder.

Referring to FIG. 12, the removable medium 91 (FIG. 2) contains amoving-image folder 251 for storage of moving-image files and astill-image folder 252 for storage of moving image files.

The moving-image folder 251 contains a subfolder 253 for storage ofmoving-image files. In the subfolder 253, moving-image files 254-1 and254-2 are stored such that they are arranged in the order in whichmoving images contained in the image files were captured, i.e., incapturing (shooting) order. In the following description, when it isunnecessary to distinguish between the moving-image files 254-1 and254-2, they will simply be called moving-image files 254.

The still-image folder 252 contains subfolders 255-1 and 255-2 forstorage of still-image files. In the subfolder 255-1, still-image files256-1 to 256-5 are stored such that they are arranged in shooting order.In the subfolder 255-2, still-image files 256-6 and 256-7 are storedsuch that they are arranged in shooting order.

In the following description, when it is unnecessary to distinguishbetween the subfolders 255-1 and 255-2, they will simply be calledsubfolders 255. In addition, when it is unnecessary to distinguishbetween the still-image files 256-1 to 256-7, they will simply be calledstill-image files 256.

A process of reading any of image files recorded in the area 181 in theinternal recording unit 59 and the removable medium 91 as describedabove and playing the read image file will now be described. In otherwords, the process in step S33 in FIG. 6 will now be explained, step S33following step S31 in which it is determined that the recording mode isnot selected during turn on of the image processing apparatus 11.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a flowchart of the playback process executed instep S33. When it is determined that a playback mode is selected, athumbnail list screen related to images recorded on the removable medium91 is displayed in the display unit 34 (FIG. 2) in step S81.

For example, when the user operates the input unit 61 (FIG. 2) to selectthe playback mode, the external-playback control section 162 (FIG. 3)obtains thumbnail-image data included in the image files recorded in theremovable medium 91 in accordance with an input signal supplied from theinput unit 61, thus generating image data for display of the thumbnaillist screen on the basis of the obtained thumbnail-image data. Theexternal-playback control section 162 supplies the generated image datato the display unit 34, thus displaying the thumbnail list screen.

The following description will be made on the assumption that athumbnail list of images recorded in the removable medium 91 isdisplayed by default when the playback mode is selected. In this case,since image data is recorded in the internal recording unit 59 and theremovable medium 91, i.e., two different recording media, the image datain the two recording media can be played independently. Accordingly, theuser may select any of recording media. Alternatively, one of therecording media may be selected by default and image data recorded inthe selected medium may be played. It is a matter of course that thepresent apparatus may be designed such that after playback starts, theuser can change a recording medium to be played.

FIG. 15A shows an example of the thumbnail list screen related to imagesrecorded in the removable medium 91, the list screen being displayed inthe display unit 34. A thumbnail list screen 301 shown in FIG. 15Aincludes thumbnail images 302-1 to 302-9. FIG. 15A shows the example inwhich nine thumbnail images are displayed. The number of thumbnailimages is not limited to the above example. For instance, 16 thumbnailimages may be displayed. Since the thumbnail list screen 301 isdisplayed with reference to the removable medium 91 having the directorystructure shown in FIG. 12, the images are displayed (played) inrecording (shooting) order, i.e., in order from oldest to newest.

In the thumbnail list screen 301, a cursor 303 for selecting any of thethumbnail images 302 is also displayed. Furthermore, a scroll bar 304used for display of undisplayed thumbnail images is also displayed onthe left side of the thumbnail list screen 301.

When the above-described thumbnail list screen 301 is displayed in stepS81, whether enlarged display is instructed is determined in step S82.Enlarged display means that the size of each displayed thumbnail imageincreases (i.e., each thumbnail image is enlarged) due to a reduction inthe number of thumbnail images displayed in one screen.

FIG. 15B shows an example of an enlarged thumbnail list screen. In thisexample, a thumbnail list screen 311 includes thumbnail images 302-1′,302-2′, 302-4′, and 302-5′. The thumbnail list screen 311 shown in FIG.15B is displayed when the cursor 303 is positioned at the thumbnailimage 302-1 in the screen 301 and enlarged display is instructed.

In this instance, the thumbnail images 302-1, 302-2, 302-4, and 302-5included in the thumbnail list screen 301 in FIG. 15A are enlarged, sothat the thumbnail images 302-1′, 302-2′, 302-4′, and 302-5′ aredisplayed in the thumbnail list screen 311 in FIG. 15B. In FIG. 15B, themark included in, e.g., 302-1′ is added to indicate that the thumbnailimage 302-1′ is the same as the thumbnail image 302-1 but the image302-1′ is enlarged (i.e., the display size of each image is differentfrom that of the original image).

Again referring to FIG. 13, when it is determined in step S82 thatenlarged display is instructed, the process proceeds to step S83. Instep S83, the thumbnail list screen 301 is enlarged. In other words, thethumbnail list screen 301 shown in FIG. 15A is changed to the thumbnaillist screen 311 shown in FIG. 15B in the display unit 34.

An enlarged-display instruction is given when the user operates, e.g.,the arrow keys 35. The user can instruct enlarged display by operatingthe arrow key 35-2 or 35-4.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that enlarged displayis not instructed, the process proceeds to step S84. In step S84,whether any thumbnail image is selected is determined. For example, theuser operates the enter button 36 to select any of the thumbnail images.When the enter button 36 is operated, a single image at which the cursor303 is positioned at that time is displayed. Single-image display meansthat only one image is displayed in the display area of the display unit34.

FIG. 15C shows an example of single-image display. In this example, onlyone image 302-1″ is displayed in a single-image display screen 321.Referring to FIG. 15C, the image 302-1″ alone is displayed because theenter button 36 is operated when the cursor 303 is positioned at thethumbnail image 302-1 displayed in the thumbnail list screen 301 in FIG.15A or the thumbnail image 302-1′ displayed in the thumbnail list screen311 in FIG. 15B.

As described above, when it is determined in step S84 that the enterbutton 36 is operated, a single image corresponding to the thumbnailimage pointed by the cursor 303 is displayed in step S85. After only oneimage is displayed in the display unit 34 as described above, thedisplay screen may be returned to the previous state shown in FIG. 15Aor 15B and a new image may be selected. In step S86, therefore, it isdetermined whether display of the previous thumbnail list screen isinstructed. The previous thumbnail list screen is the thumbnail listscreen 301 or 311.

When it is determined in step S86 that display of the previous thumbnaillist screen is instructed, the process is returned to step S83. Step S83and subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, if it isdetermined in step S86 that display of the previous thumbnail listscreen is not instructed, the process proceeds to step S87.

The process also proceeds to step S87 when it is determined in step S84that any image is not selected. In step S87, it is determined whetherplayback of any of images recorded in the area 181 in the internalrecording unit 59 is instructed. If NO in step S87, the process proceedsto step S88.

In step S88, the cursor 303 is moved. When the process proceeds to stepS88, the screen of the display unit 34 is in the state shown in FIG.15A, 15B, or 15C. When the screen of FIG. 15A or 15B, i.e., thethumbnail list screen 301 or 311 including a plurality of thumbnailimages is displayed, the cursor 303 is moved to a thumbnail imagespecified by the user. For example, assuming that the cursor 303 ispositioned at the thumbnail image 302-1 of the thumbnail list screen 301as shown in FIG. 16A, when step S88 is executed, the cursor 303 is movedto the thumbnail image 302-2 as shown in FIG. 16B.

When the screen of FIG. 15C, i.e., the single-image display screen isdisplayed, the displayed image is changed to the preceding or followingimage in terms of time, e.g., the adjacent image specified by the user(e.g., the thumbnail image 302-2) in the thumbnail list screen 301. Thischange corresponds to the movement of the cursor 303.

After step S88 is terminated, the process proceeds to step S82. Step S82and subsequent steps are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S87 that playback of anyof images recorded in the area 181 of the internal recording unit 59(hereinafter, simply referred to images recorded on the internalrecording unit 59), the process proceeds to step S89 (FIG. 14).

In step S89, a thumbnail list screen related to images recorded o theinternal recording unit 59 is displayed in the display unit 34. StepsS89 to S96 are related to playback of any of the images recorded on theinternal recording unit 59. The internal-playback control section 161(FIG. 3) executes these steps.

In this instance, a thumbnail list screen related to the images recordedon the internal recording unit 59 and a change in screen from thethumbnail list screen to a single-image display screen will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 17A to 17C.

FIG. 17A shows an example of a thumbnail list screen related to theimages recorded on the internal recording unit 59. Referring to FIG.17A, a thumbnail list screen 331 related to the images recorded on theinternal recording unit 59 is different from the thumbnail list screen311 (FIG. 15A) related to the images recorded on the removable medium91.

Specifically, in addition to thumbnail images 332-1 to 332-5 andthumbnail images 333-1 to 333-3, the thumbnail list screen 331 shown inFIG. 17A includes date fields 335-1 and 335-2 in the left part thereof.Each date field indicates a date. A cursor 334 for selection of anythumbnail image is also displayed in the thumbnail list screen 331. Thethumbnail list screen 331 further includes a scroll bar 336 in the rightpart thereof. The user operates the scroll bar 336 to displayundisplayed thumbnail images.

Upon display of the thumbnail list screen related to the images recordedon the internal recording unit 59, thumbnail images are displayed suchthat they are sorted by date. The internal recording unit 59 managesimage files arranged in the data structure shown in FIG. 10 and theproperty file 203. As described above, the property file 203 managesimage files sorted by shooting date. The user can view a list ofthumbnail images ordered by date by referring to the property file 203.

Referring to FIG. 17A, the thumbnail images 332-1 to 332-5 belong to“'05 JAN” and the thumbnail images 333-1 to 333-3 belong to “FEB”. Inother words, in this case, the thumbnail images 332-1 to 332-5 werecaptured in “'05 JAN” that means January 2005. The thumbnail images333-1 to 333-3 were captured in “FEB (although omitted here, '05 FEB)”that means February 2005.

In this thumbnail list screen 331, each displayed thumbnail imagecorresponds to any one of images captured on the same date. As describedabove, the thumbnail list screen 331 includes thumbnail images sorted bymonth. When any one thumbnail image is selected from the thumbnail listscreen 331, the screen displayed in the display unit 34 is changed toanother thumbnail list screen 351 as shown in FIG. 17B.

The thumbnail list screen 351 displays a list of thumbnail imagescorresponding to images captured on the same date as that when theselected thumbnail image was captured. For example, assuming that thecursor 334 is positioned at the thumbnail image 332-1 in the thumbnaillist screen 331 shown in FIG. 17A, when the enter button 36 (FIG. 1) isoperated, a list of thumbnail images is displayed as the thumbnail listscreen 351. The displayed thumbnail images include an imagecorresponding to the selected thumbnail image 332-1 and also correspondto images captured on the same date as the shooting date of the selectedthumbnail image 332-1.

In other words, the thumbnail list screen 331 in FIG. 17A includesthumbnail images sorted by month. Each sorted thumbnail image is atypical one of images captured on a predetermined day in thecorresponding month. When such a sorted thumbnail image is selected, alist of thumbnail images corresponding to images captured on thepredetermined day is displayed as shown in FIG. 17B.

Referring to FIG. 17B, the thumbnail list screen 351 includes thumbnailimages 352-1 to 352-9. A cursor 353 is displayed at the thumbnail image352-1. The thumbnail list screen 351 further includes a date field 354indicating a date in the left part thereof and also includes the scrollbar 336 in the right part thereof.

When a predetermined thumbnail image is selected from the thumbnail listscreen 351, one image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image isdisplayed. For example, assuming that the cursor 353 is positioned atthe thumbnail image 352-1 in the thumbnail list screen 351 in FIG. 17B,when the enter button 36 is operated, an image 352-1′ corresponding tothe thumbnail image 352-1 is displayed as a single-image display screen371 in the display unit 34.

Images can be sequentially selected in the above-described manner.

Again referring to the flowchart in FIG. 14, the thumbnail list screen331 related to the images recorded on the internal recording unit 59 isdisplayed in step S89, and after that, it is determined in step S90whether any date is selected. The fact that a date is selected meansthat one thumbnail image is selected from thumbnail images displayed inthe thumbnail list screen 351.

If it is determined in step S90 that a date is selected (i.e., onethumbnail image is selected), the process proceeds to step S91. In stepS91, a thumbnail list screen related to the selected date, i.e., athumbnail list screen related to images captured on the same date asthat when the selected thumbnail image was captured is displayed in stepS91. As described above, the screen as shown in FIG. 17B is displayed.

After the thumbnail list screen related to the selected date isdisplayed, it is determined in step S92 whether display of the precedingthumbnail list screen is instructed. In other words, it is determinedwhether the user instructs to return the screen shown in FIG. 17B tothat shown in FIG. 17A. If YES in step S92, the process is returned tostep S89, and after that, step S89 and subsequent steps are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S92 that an instructionto return to the preceding thumbnail list screen is not generated, theprocess proceeds to step S93. In step S93, whether any thumbnail imageis selected, i.e., whether the enter button 36 is operated isdetermined. If YES in step S93, the process proceeds to step S94. Theselected image is played. In other words, as described above, a singleimage is displayed as shown in FIG. 17C.

After the single image is displayed, it is determined in step S95whether display of the preceding thumbnail list screen related to thedate is instructed. In other words, it is determined whether aninstruction to return the screen shown in FIG. 17C to that shown in FIG.17B is given. If YES in step S95, the process is returned to step S91.Step S91 and subsequent steps are repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S95 that display of theprevious thumbnail list screen related to the date is not instructed,the process proceeds to step S96. In step S96, whether playback of anyimage recorded in the removable medium 91 is instructed is determined.If YES in step S96, the process is returned to step S81 (FIG. 13). StepS81 and subsequent steps are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S96 that playback of theimages recorded in the removable medium 91 is not instructed, theprocess is returned to step S97. When it is determined in step S90 thatany thumbnail image is not selected from the thumbnail list screen 331in FIG. 17A, the process also proceeds to step S97.

In step S97, the cursor is moved. In other words, step S97 isfundamentally the same as step S88. When the thumbnail list screen 331or 351 is displayed as shown in FIG. 17A or 17B, the cursor 334 is movedin the direction specified by the user. When the single-image displayscreen is displayed as shown in FIG. 17C, the displayed image is changedto the adjacent image in terms of, e.g., time.

The playback process is executed as described above. When the userinstructs to terminate playback, the playback process is terminated inaccordance with the instruction, serving as an interruption process.

During playback, screens related to the images recorded in the internalrecording unit 59 are different from those related to the imagesrecorded in the removable medium 91. In particular, when an imagerecorded in the internal recording unit 59 is displayed (played), theimage previously captured through the image processing apparatus 11 isdisplayed such that the user can know the shooting date of the displayedimage. Therefore, the images recorded in the internal recording unit 59can be used as an image album.

The images recorded in the internal recording unit 59 cannot be viewedthrough an external device while the device is connected to the imageprocessing apparatus 11 via USB. However, when a television receiver isconnected to the image processing apparatus 11 via an AV cable, theimage recorded in the internal recording unit 59 may be viewed throughthe television receiver. Therefore, the user can view the imagesrecorded in the internal recording unit 59 as an image album through thetelevision receiver. Fundamentally, images can be played through thetelevision receiver in a manner similar to the process described withreference to the flowchart shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. A display of thetelevision receiver may be used instead of the display unit 34.

In the above-described embodiment, image data (image files) recorded inthe area 181 in the internal recording unit 59 is unviewable through anexternal device connected to the present apparatus. The presentapparatus may include a function of copying image data recorded in theinternal recording unit 59 so that the user can show or give an imagecaptured by the user to another user. Accordingly, even when imagesrecorded in the removable medium 91 are deleted by accident, the deleteddata can be restored using data recorded in the internal recording unit59. In other words, data recorded in the internal recording unit 59 maybe used for backup.

Recording Media

The above-described series of steps may be executed by hardware orsoftware. When the steps is implemented by software, a programconstituting the software is installed through a program storage mediuminto a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or into amulti-purpose personal computer capable of executing various functionsby installing various programs.

Program storage media, each of which stores the program to be installedinto a computer and be executable through the computer, include theremovable medium 91, serving as a package medium such as a magnetic disk(e.g., a flexible disk), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc-read onlymemory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a magneto-opticaldisc (e.g., a MiniDisc (MD)), or a semiconductor memory, the ROM 63 inwhich the program is temporarily or permanently stored, and a hard diskconstituting the internal recording unit 59. A program is stored into aprogram storage medium through a communication unit (not shown), servingas an interface such as a router or a modem, using a wired or wirelesscommunication medium, such as a local area network, the Internet, ordigital satellite broadcasting, as necessary.

In this specification, steps describing the program stored in a programstorage medium may be executed in time-series in the above-describedorder, or may be performed in parallel or individually.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. An information processing apparatus having a plurality of recordingmedia, the apparatus comprising: imaging means for capturing an image ofa subject; recording means for recording image data of the capturedimage onto the recording media, such that the amounts of recorded imagedata differ between at least a first recording medium and a secondrecording medium of the recording media, wherein the image data recordedon the first recording medium is not modifiable by an external devicecapable of modifying image data; and determining means for determiningwhether an external device capable of modifying image data is connectedto the information processing apparatus, wherein, when an externaldevice capable of modifying image data is determined to be connected tothe information processing apparatus, the image data recorded on thefirst recording medium is not viewable through the external device andthe information processing apparatus and, when an external device notcapable of modifying image data is determined to be connected to theinformation processing apparatus, the image data recorded on the firstrecording medium is viewable through the external device and theinformation processing apparatus.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first recording medium is built in the informationprocessing apparatus and the second recording medium is removable fromthe information processing apparatus, and the recording means recordsthe image data such that the amount of image data recorded on the firstrecording medium is smaller than the amount of image data recorded onthe second recording medium.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein when a remaining available capacity of the first recordingmedium is insufficient to record new image data, the image data recordedon the first recording medium is deleted in capturing order.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording medium isbuilt in the information processing apparatus and the second recordingmedium is removable from the information processing apparatus, and therecording means records the image data such that the compression ratioof the image data recorded on the first recording medium is higher thanthe compression ratio of the image data recorded on the second recordingmedium.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstrecording medium is provided in the information processing apparatus andthe second recording medium is removable from the information processingapparatus, and the recording means further records a management file formanagement of the image data onto the first recording medium.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image data is sorted by dateand is managed in the management file.
 7. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: playback means for playing the image datarecorded on the plurality of recording media; and selection means forselecting any one of the recording media, wherein the playback meansplays the image data recorded on the selected recording medium.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first recording medium isbuilt in the information processing apparatus and the second recordingmedium is removable from the information processing apparatus, therecording means further records a management file for management of theimage data onto the first recording medium, and the playback means playsthe image data recorded on the first recording medium based on themanagement file and plays the image data recorded on the secondrecording medium in capturing order.
 9. A method for processinginformation in an information processing apparatus having a plurality ofrecording media, the method comprising: capturing an image of a subject;recording image data of the captured image onto the recording media,such that the amounts of recorded image data differ between at least afirst recording medium and a second recording medium of the recordingmedia, wherein the image data recorded on the first recording medium isnot modifiable by an external device capable of modifying image data;and determining whether an external device capable of modifying imagedata is connected to the information processing apparatus, wherein, whenan external device capable of modifying image data is determined to beconnected to the information processing apparatus, the image datarecorded on the first recording medium is not viewable through theexternal device and the information processing apparatus and, when anexternal device not capable of modifying image data determined to beconnected to the information processing apparatus, the image datarecorded on the first recording medium is viewable through the externaldevice and the information processing apparatus.
 10. A non-transitorystorage medium recorded with a program readable by a computer forallowing the computer to execute a process by an information processingapparatus having a plurality of recording media, the process comprising:capturing an image of a subject; recording image data of the capturedimage onto the recording media, such that the amounts of recorded imagedata differ between at least a first recording medium and a secondrecording medium of the recording media, wherein the image data recordedon the first recording medium is not modifiable by an external devicecapable of modifying image data; and determining whether an externaldevice capable of modifying image data is connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, wherein, when an external device capable ofmodifying image data is determined to be connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, the image data recorded on the first recordingmedium is not viewable through the external device and the informationprocessing apparatus, and, when an external device not capable ofmodifying image data determined to be connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, the image data recorded on the first recordingmedium viewable through the external device and the informationprocessing apparatus.
 11. An information processing apparatus having aplurality of recording media, the apparatus comprising: an imaging unitoperable to capture an image of a subject; a recording unit operable torecord image data of the captured image onto the recording media, suchthat the amounts of recorded image data differ between at least a firstrecording medium and a second recording medium of the recording media,wherein the image data recorded on the first recording medium is notmodifiable by an external device capable of modifying image data; and adetermining unit operable to determine whether an external devicecapable of modifying image data is connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, wherein, when an external device capable ofmodifying image data is determined to be connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, the image data recorded on the first recordingmedium is not viewable through the external device and the informationprocessing apparatus, and, when an external device not capable ofmodifying image data is determined to be connected to the informationprocessing apparatus, the image data recorded on the first recordingmedium is viewable through the external device and the informationprocessing apparatus.